Pakistan Claimed Role In Iran Hit List Pause
Pakistan has emerged as a behind-the-scenes player in the diplomacy around the Iran war, with reports saying Islamabad urged the United States to press Israel not to target two of Iran’s top officials, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. According to the report, Israel paused plans to strike them because their removal would have severely damaged any immediate chance of negotiations.
Pakistan Sought Protection For Iranian Officials
The report says a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions claimed Islamabad told Washington that if Araghchi and Qalibaf were also killed, there would be no credible Iranian interlocutors left for diplomacy. The source said the United States then asked Israel to step back. Pakistan’s military and foreign office did not publicly comment, while Israel also did not address the claim directly.
Araghchi And Qalibaf Reportedly Removed From Hit List
According to the report, the two Iranian officials were temporarily removed from Israel’s target list for several days while possible peace talks were being explored. That pause was described as part of a narrow diplomatic window in which mediators were trying to keep channels open between Tehran and Washington.
Pakistan Expands Role In Iran War Mediation
The report also says Pakistan, along with Egypt and Türkiye, has been involved in mediation efforts between Iran and the United States. Islamabad is said to have remained in direct contact with both sides and is also being discussed as a possible venue for talks if diplomacy moves forward.
